FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
RGU pathway expands to Central Belt
ICAS recently welcomed, in collaboration with Robert Gordon University (RGU), the first cohort of RGU graduate apprenticeships to Edinburgh, marking a major milestone in the expansion of the Scottish Graduate Apprenticeship programme.
Delivered in partnership with the award-winning RGU, the flexible, government-funded scheme enables apprentices to earn an accounting degree while simultaneously working towards the globally recognised CA qualification.
Launched in 2019, the programme has already proven highly successful and, responding to demand from employers in Scotland’s Central Belt, on-campus teaching is now being delivered in Edinburgh as well as at RGU’s Aberdeen campus. The move provides students with access to the same expert tuition while reducing the need to travel, creating greater flexibility for both apprentices and employers.
Gail Boag, Executive Director of Learning at ICAS, said: “Welcoming our first RGU graduate apprentices to Edinburgh is a landmark moment for ICAS and for the future of the scheme. The Graduate Apprenticeship programme is an accessible route to our world-class CA qualification – a passport to careers that reach far beyond accountancy, into leadership at the very top of business and finance.
“By expanding teaching into Edinburgh, alongside Aberdeen, we’re making it easier than ever for students to balance work and study without losing valuable time.”
The programme has already produced its first ICAS-qualified CAs, with graduates celebrated earlier this year at the ICAS Admission Ceremony, where 760 new members joined the profession.
Find out more about the RGU Graduate Apprenticeship programme
RGU pathway expands to Central Belt
ICAS recently welcomed, in collaboration with Robert Gordon University (RGU), the first cohort of RGU graduate apprenticeships to Edinburgh, marking a major milestone in the expansion of the Scottish Graduate Apprenticeship programme.
Delivered in partnership with the award-winning RGU, the flexible, government-funded scheme enables apprentices to earn an accounting degree while simultaneously working towards the globally recognised CA qualification.
Launched in 2019, the programme has already proven highly successful and, responding to demand from employers in Scotland’s Central Belt, on-campus teaching is now being delivered in Edinburgh as well as at RGU’s Aberdeen campus. The move provides students with access to the same expert tuition while reducing the need to travel, creating greater flexibility for both apprentices and employers.
Gail Boag, Executive Director of Learning at ICAS, said: “Welcoming our first RGU graduate apprentices to Edinburgh is a landmark moment for ICAS and for the future of the scheme. The Graduate Apprenticeship programme is an accessible route to our world-class CA qualification – a passport to careers that reach far beyond accountancy, into leadership at the very top of business and finance.
“By expanding teaching into Edinburgh, alongside Aberdeen, we’re making it easier than ever for students to balance work and study without losing valuable time.”
The programme has already produced its first ICAS-qualified CAs, with graduates celebrated earlier this year at the ICAS Admission Ceremony, where 760 new members joined the profession.
Find out more about the RGU Graduate Apprenticeship programme
Success in the City
Ever considered working abroad? Curious about starting your own business? Interested in how others have navigated different sectors within accountancy?
Join us for a relaxed evening in London or Edinburgh, where we will introduce you to like-minded CAs with diverse career journeys who will share lessons, challenges and advice to help you navigate your own.
You’ll get insight from professionals with first-hand experience in:
- What it’s like to work with a global firm
- Taking your career overseas
- Starting a business or personal brand
- Moving between practice and industry
- Navigating the years beyond qualification
Speakers in London include:
Kudzai Zendera CA, Standard Chartered Bank; Amy Taggart CA, Baringa; Mike Scott CA, Onside Accounting; Koyejo Abraham CA, Activision Blizzard; Fiona Gray CA, PWC; Jonny Jacobs CA MBE, Holland and Barrett.
Speakers in Edinburgh include:
Kelly Gilbert CA, Baillie Gifford; Andy Graham CA, Tesco Bank; David Gammie CA, Beer 52; Nicola Buchanan CA, CMS.
London
Date: Thursday 16 October 2025
Time: 18.00–20.00
Location: Big Chill King’s Cross, Pentonville Road, London N1 9NL
Edinburgh
Date: Thursday 23 October 2025
Time: 18.00–20.00
Location: Brewhemia, 1A Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE
These events are for CAs in their first five years post-qualification and CA students. Both are free to attend and the dress code is casual.
Food and drink will be served to keep you fuelled throughout the night. Why not bring along a colleague who’s also in the early stages of their career? Secure your place and come along with your fellow CAs to take the next step and gain invaluable career tips that will shape your career.
Success in the City
Ever considered working abroad? Curious about starting your own business? Interested in how others have navigated different sectors within accountancy?
Join us for a relaxed evening in London or Edinburgh, where we will introduce you to like-minded CAs with diverse career journeys who will share lessons, challenges and advice to help you navigate your own.
You’ll get insight from professionals with first-hand experience in:
- What it’s like to work with a global firm
- Taking your career overseas
- Starting a business or personal brand
- Moving between practice and industry
- Navigating the years beyond qualification
Speakers in London include:
Kudzai Zendera CA, Standard Chartered Bank; Amy Taggart CA, Baringa; Mike Scott CA, Onside Accounting; Koyejo Abraham CA, Activision Blizzard; Fiona Gray CA, PWC; Jonny Jacobs CA MBE, Holland and Barrett.
Speakers in Edinburgh include:
Kelly Gilbert CA, Baillie Gifford; Andy Graham CA, Tesco Bank; David Gammie CA, Beer 52; Nicola Buchanan CA, CMS.
London
Date: Thursday 16 October 2025
Time: 18.00–20.00
Location: Big Chill King’s Cross, Pentonville Road, London N1 9NL
Edinburgh
Date: Thursday 23 October 2025
Time: 18.00–20.00
Location: Brewhemia, 1A Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE
These events are for CAs in their first five years post-qualification and CA students. Both are free to attend and the dress code is casual.
Food and drink will be served to keep you fuelled throughout the night. Why not bring along a colleague who’s also in the early stages of their career? Secure your place and come along with your fellow CAs to take the next step and gain invaluable career tips that will shape your career.
Hour of ethics to be mandatory
From 1 January 2021 all ICAS members have been required to complete mandatory ethics CPD. ICAS Council has agreed that from 1 January 2026, all members will need to complete at least one hour of ethics-related CPD during the course of the year. Further information and access to ethics resources will be made available to members shortly.
Hour of ethics to be mandatory
From 1 January 2021 all ICAS members have been required to complete mandatory ethics CPD. ICAS Council has agreed that from 1 January 2026, all members will need to complete at least one hour of ethics-related CPD during the course of the year. Further information and access to ethics resources will be made available to members shortly.
Get extra from ICAS
The CA isn’t the end. In fact, it’s just the beginning. Wherever you are in your career, we’re here to help you take it to the next level.
Maybe you’re thinking about your next career move and could do with the guidance of an experienced CA mentor. Perhaps you’re ready to help shape the future by joining one of our boards or committees. It might be that you’re searching for some inspiration and opportunities to connect with fellow CAs at our exclusive member-only events.
We’re here to grow with you, whatever stage you’re at. Together, there’s no stopping us.
Discover how you can get more from your membership today
Get extra from ICAS
The CA isn’t the end. In fact, it’s just the beginning. Wherever you are in your career, we’re here to help you take it to the next level.
Maybe you’re thinking about your next career move and could do with the guidance of an experienced CA mentor. Perhaps you’re ready to help shape the future by joining one of our boards or committees. It might be that you’re searching for some inspiration and opportunities to connect with fellow CAs at our exclusive member-only events.
We’re here to grow with you, whatever stage you’re at. Together, there’s no stopping us.
Discover how you can get more from your membership today
Do you want to join a board?
Did you know that by joining an ICAS board, committee or panel you can boost your career and play a part in shaping the profession?
ICAS members have until 17.00 BST on Tuesday 7 October to apply for one of a number of vacant roles. The volunteer members of ICAS range from early-career CAs to established business leaders. Their collective expertise helps keep ICAS at the top of its game and makes sure it’s providing value for members.
Volunteering with ICAS can deliver a wide range of personal and professional benefits. These can include growing your network and developing new skills in areas such as leadership and strategic delivery. There’s also the pride and satisfaction that comes from giving back to the profession and supporting the next generation. And lastly, it’s a great way of staying connected to what’s happening in the profession and the wider marketplace.
Do you want to join a board?
Did you know that by joining an ICAS board, committee or panel you can boost your career and play a part in shaping the profession?
ICAS members have until 17.00 BST on Tuesday 7 October to apply for one of a number of vacant roles. The volunteer members of ICAS range from early-career CAs to established business leaders. Their collective expertise helps keep ICAS at the top of its game and makes sure it’s providing value for members.
Volunteering with ICAS can deliver a wide range of personal and professional benefits. These can include growing your network and developing new skills in areas such as leadership and strategic delivery. There’s also the pride and satisfaction that comes from giving back to the profession and supporting the next generation. And lastly, it’s a great way of staying connected to what’s happening in the profession and the wider marketplace.
Gold Club lunches
Join us for one of our ICAS Gold Club lunches – a special gathering for those with 50-plus years of membership. These exclusive events are an opportunity to meet, connect and interact with fellow long-term members over lunch in Glasgow or London.
Both events are hosted by ICAS President Karen Scholes CA. The first is at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow, designed to showcase the spirit of the city with its deft architecture. The London lunch is at the prestigious – and Scottish-themed – Caledonian Club.
Gold Club lunches are a great opportunity to celebrate your long-standing membership in the company of your peers, and to hear from ICAS about the past year’s achievements and what’s coming up.
Glasgow Gold Club lunch
Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025
Time: 12.00–14.30
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, 301 Argyle St, Glasgow G2 8DL
London Gold Club lunch
Date: Thursday 4 December 2025
Time: 12.00–14.30
Location: The Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin St, London SW1X 7DR
Both events are free to attend for Gold Club members
Dress code smart
Find more information and book your place for Glasgow or London
Gold Club lunches
Join us for one of our ICAS Gold Club lunches – a special gathering for those with 50-plus years of membership. These exclusive events are an opportunity to meet, connect and interact with fellow long-term members over lunch in Glasgow or London.
Both events are hosted by ICAS President Karen Scholes CA. The first is at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow, designed to showcase the spirit of the city with its deft architecture. The London lunch is at the prestigious – and Scottish-themed – Caledonian Club.
Gold Club lunches are a great opportunity to celebrate your long-standing membership in the company of your peers, and to hear from ICAS about the past year’s achievements and what’s coming up.
Glasgow Gold Club lunch
Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025
Time: 12.00–14.30
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, 301 Argyle St, Glasgow G2 8DL
London Gold Club lunch
Date: Thursday 4 December 2025
Time: 12.00–14.30
Location: The Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin St, London SW1X 7DR
Both events are free to attend for Gold Club members
Dress code smart
Find more information and book your place for Glasgow or London
Mitigo: Taking control of cyber risk
Cyber risk management isn’t an IT problem – it’s a business risk. Accountancy firms of all sizes are now prime targets for cyber-attacks, from ransomware and email account takeovers to supply chain breaches. The consequences can be severe: theft of sensitive data, disruption to fee-earning, reputational damage, financial loss and regulatory action.
As ICAS’ trusted cyber partner, Mitigo helps firms take control. We provide leaders with clear visibility of their cyber risk and deliver a defence strategy that stands up to scrutiny from regulators, clients and supply chains.
Our support includes risk assessments, policy development, training, phishing simulations, penetration testing and incident response. We support many accountancy firms – keeping them safe from attack and providing the operational resilience they need.
Take control of cyber risk today – get the independent assurance your firm needs with Mitigo
Mitigo: Taking control of cyber risk
Cyber risk management isn’t an IT problem – it’s a business risk. Accountancy firms of all sizes are now prime targets for cyber-attacks, from ransomware and email account takeovers to supply chain breaches. The consequences can be severe: theft of sensitive data, disruption to fee-earning, reputational damage, financial loss and regulatory action.
As ICAS’ trusted cyber partner, Mitigo helps firms take control. We provide leaders with clear visibility of their cyber risk and deliver a defence strategy that stands up to scrutiny from regulators, clients and supply chains.
Our support includes risk assessments, policy development, training, phishing simulations, penetration testing and incident response. We support many accountancy firms – keeping them safe from attack and providing the operational resilience they need.
Take control of cyber risk today – get the independent assurance your firm needs with Mitigo
House visit
Jonathan Bromley CA, London Area Network Committee member: As part of the London Area Network Committee, we arranged a tour of the Palace of Westminster. The 25-strong group were provided with a wonderful tour starting in Westminster Hall, which has borne witness to foreign dignitaries and presidents, banquets and the lying in state of members of the royal family.
We were then taken to the House of Commons and the House of Lords. On the tour we learnt about the history of the building and how it was constructed. We also saw intriguing details about how the institution functions as a day-to-day office, how MPs receive their post and cast their votes, and the etiquette governing debate.
After the tour we went to a reception at the similarly historic Red Lion pub, where we discussed the tour and had an opportunity to chat about future ICAS events.
As a member of the committee I appreciate these opportunities to socialise with other members who work across a variety of fields.
To learn more about the London Area Network, email londonan@icas.com
House visit
Jonathan Bromley CA, London Area Network Committee member: As part of the London Area Network Committee, we arranged a tour of the Palace of Westminster. The 25-strong group were provided with a wonderful tour starting in Westminster Hall, which has borne witness to foreign dignitaries and presidents, banquets and the lying in state of members of the royal family.
We were then taken to the House of Commons and the House of Lords. On the tour we learnt about the history of the building and how it was constructed. We also saw intriguing details about how the institution functions as a day-to-day office, how MPs receive their post and cast their votes, and the etiquette governing debate.
After the tour we went to a reception at the similarly historic Red Lion pub, where we discussed the tour and had an opportunity to chat about future ICAS events.
As a member of the committee I appreciate these opportunities to socialise with other members who work across a variety of fields.
To learn more about the London Area Network, email londonan@icas.com
Tom Bracey CA
Executive, Transaction Strategy & Execution, EY-Parthenon
What attracted you to your current role?
I am currently in the operational due diligence (ODD) team at EY-Parthenon, having recently joined the team from an internal transfer from audit. I joined EY through the graduate scheme after studying business and geography at the University of Edinburgh, drawn by the learning opportunities audit offers and because it can open up a multitude of future options. It’s a fantastic way to understand how different businesses operate financially, while also working towards a CA qualification.
Which part of your training has helped you most?
I find the variety of core topics covered in the ICAS syllabus has given me a wide-ranging knowledge base that can come in use when least expected. Especially having transferred into a transactions role, both the technical accounting treatments to strategic finance and business modelling have been a key USP of mine. Additionally, the Excel-based nature of these exams allowed me to develop the technical skills required to be more efficient in my study.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year or so?
In my new role in the ODD team, I aim to build a strong foundation in working across the deal lifecycle and applying my accounting background to the team. Over the next year, I hope to deepen my understanding and work on a broad range of projects, enhancing my analytical skills. I’m particularly keen to learn from experienced colleagues, take on increasing responsibility and develop a clear path for progression. Ultimately, I want to grow into a trusted colleague who adds value to both internal processes and client outcomes.
What do you enjoy most about working for your company?
The EY graduate scheme has helped me kickstart my career and acts as a great transition from full-time education. Through the shared experience of working and studying, it provides an opportunity to build meaningful relationships that will inevitably develop throughout our careers. From this platform, I can pivot to different service lines, enabling myself to continue my journey at EY but developing different skillsets. Also, the scale of the organisation means there are so many extracurricular opportunities – sports, societies and connecting with fellow graduates.
What would you say to anyone else thinking about studying to become a CA?
I highly recommend it. It offers invaluable financial insight and education, all supported by your employer. The intense nature of the exams really taught me the importance of hard work and I genuinely feel both this and the technical skills I’ve learnt have helped propel me to the next stage of my career. Also, being an ICAS member connects you to a vast network of professionals, providing access to advice, opportunities and support throughout your career.
Are you a recently qualified CA, interested in appearing in this column? Email us at camagazine@therivergroup.co.uk
Tom Bracey CA
Executive, Transaction Strategy & Execution, EY-Parthenon
What attracted you to your current role?
I am currently in the operational due diligence (ODD) team at EY-Parthenon, having recently joined the team from an internal transfer from audit. I joined EY through the graduate scheme after studying business and geography at the University of Edinburgh, drawn by the learning opportunities audit offers and because it can open up a multitude of future options. It’s a fantastic way to understand how different businesses operate financially, while also working towards a CA qualification.
Which part of your training has helped you most?
I find the variety of core topics covered in the ICAS syllabus has given me a wide-ranging knowledge base that can come in use when least expected. Especially having transferred into a transactions role, both the technical accounting treatments to strategic finance and business modelling have been a key USP of mine. Additionally, the Excel-based nature of these exams allowed me to develop the technical skills required to be more efficient in my study.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year or so?
In my new role in the ODD team, I aim to build a strong foundation in working across the deal lifecycle and applying my accounting background to the team. Over the next year, I hope to deepen my understanding and work on a broad range of projects, enhancing my analytical skills. I’m particularly keen to learn from experienced colleagues, take on increasing responsibility and develop a clear path for progression. Ultimately, I want to grow into a trusted colleague who adds value to both internal processes and client outcomes.
What do you enjoy most about working for your company?
The EY graduate scheme has helped me kickstart my career and acts as a great transition from full-time education. Through the shared experience of working and studying, it provides an opportunity to build meaningful relationships that will inevitably develop throughout our careers. From this platform, I can pivot to different service lines, enabling myself to continue my journey at EY but developing different skillsets. Also, the scale of the organisation means there are so many extracurricular opportunities – sports, societies and connecting with fellow graduates.
What would you say to anyone else thinking about studying to become a CA?
I highly recommend it. It offers invaluable financial insight and education, all supported by your employer. The intense nature of the exams really taught me the importance of hard work and I genuinely feel both this and the technical skills I’ve learnt have helped propel me to the next stage of my career. Also, being an ICAS member connects you to a vast network of professionals, providing access to advice, opportunities and support throughout your career.
Are you a recently qualified CA, interested in appearing in this column? Email us at camagazine@therivergroup.co.uk
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